RESULTS: In one study, MeyerHeim, et al. demonstrated significant improvements with the experimental intervention on the 25-foot walk, 9-hole peg test, as well as the total MSFC, and no significant different on tests of postural sway and knee spasticity. In terms of exercise duration, Grahn, et al. found a significant improvement of 33% increase with cooling therapy. Finally, the study by Reynolds, et al. showed an improvement on the 6-minute walk test when comparing true cooling to the other tested conditions; on the 25-foot walk test and the timed up and go, true cooling was not associated with a significant improvement with regard to the other conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed studies, representing the best evidence currently available, suggest the efficacy of cooling therapy as a well-tolerated method for improving functional mobility in heat-sensitive adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.